Digital Pokemon - 11
--+--
Chapter 11: Ivy Cudgel
--+--
The Drain Punch is among the most formidable techniques in the Fighting-type arsenal.
Granted, the Geodude was already significantly smaller than Ogerpon, but after its Terastallization, the leader of the Geodude pack loomed large.
With that crown-like jewel glowing atop its head and those fists clenched tightly, the sheer intensity of its charge was terrifying—Sera could practically feel the impact just by watching the screen.
[Ogerpon used Vine Whip!]
Ogerpon scrambled to react, extending vines from beneath its grassy cloak and lashing out at the charging Geodude. But the Geodude, fully committed to its assault, ignored the strikes entirely and barreled straight toward her.
However, while its offensive power looked fearsome, the Geodude leader’s flaw was glaringly obvious: it was far too slow.
In the nick of time, Sera’s fingers tapped frantically at the screen.
She hadn’t interfered in previous skirmishes, but this Geodude leader was a formidable opponent; judging by its level alone, it was at least ten levels higher than Ogerpon.
It was time to let Ogerpon know she wasn't fighting this battle alone.
Much like in previous modes, Sera could participate directly in the combat.
It was similar to a QTE (Quick Time Event) in real-time games; by rapidly tapping the prompts appearing on the screen, she could push Ogerpon to perform beyond its limits.
[Ogerpon has sensed your guidance!]
--+--
"Oger-pon!"
Dust and gravel rained down on its face, and Ogerpon felt a lingering tremor of fear.
She had instinctively tried to use its only known move, Vine Whip, to fend off the Geodude, but the attack hadn’t slowed the rocky titan at all.
Yet, just as that fist—charged with a violent rush of air—was about to collide with it, Ogerpon felt a strange, inexplicable nudge.
It was as if a soft, girlish voice whispered in its ear, warning it to dodge at all costs.
Driven by instinct, Ogerpon’s body moved faster than its thoughts. It stomped the ground and pushed off, retreating with a burst of momentum that allowed it to narrowly evade the rock-hard fist.
"...Geodude?!"
The Geodude leader, having missed its mark, seemed just as confused. But being a Rock-type Pokemon with a simple disposition, it didn't dwell on it for long.
With the first strike failed, it immediately prepared its next move.
"Geo-dude-dude!"
With a roar, it curled its body up into a tight, round ball.
--+--
[The Geodude leader used Defense Curl!]
Defense Curl?
Sera’s expression tightened. She immediately knew what move the Geodude intended to use next. The combination of Defense Curl and Rollout was a signature sequence for the Geodude line.
Even though the Terastallized Geodude had changed its typing to Fighting, its Rock-type moves still benefited from the same-type attack bonus.
For a moment, Sera was at a loss for how to help Ogerpon overcome this. The level gap was just too wide.
Ogerpon’s Vine Whip couldn't even break through the Geodude's defenses, yet a single hit from the opponent would drain most of its stamina.
Still, watching the screen, Ogerpon stood firm, mask and all. It hadn't given up.
If Ogerpon is still fighting, how can I give up?
Sera took a shallow breath and stretched her fingers, loosening them. To ensure Ogerpon won this challenge, she had to give it her all, even if the QTEs grew increasingly difficult.
[Ogerpon has sensed your encouragement!]
--+--
"GEODUDE—!"
The Geodude leader’s hardened body scraped and smashed against the ground, sending gravel flying with a thunderous, rolling roar.
Ogerpon braced itself, sensing the intensity of this assault was far greater than before. Instinctively, it took a step back, trying to gauge a way to dodge...
But then, Ogerpon heard the girl’s soft murmur again.
"You can do it!"
—That was what she had said.
Power surged from the mask on its face, and a jade-green light flooded its body.
"Oger-pon!"
Ogerpon didn’t want to run anymore!
Though the situation remained dire, Ogerpon felt a sudden surge of joy. It realized it was facing this powerful enemy under her watchful gaze.
The rolling charge was terrifying, but as long as she was looking, Ogerpon felt there was nothing to fear.
--+--
[Your encouragement has become Ogerpon's strength!]
[Ogerpon remembered the move Horn Leech!]
[Ogerpon used Horn Leech!]
Under Ogerpon's control, the thorny vines condensed into a sharp, piercing horn. The Geodude leader seemed to sense that something was wrong, but it continued its charge.
As it crashed into Ogerpon, the Ogre simultaneously drove the Horn Leech deep into the Geodude’s rocky exterior.
Both attacks landed at once. The recoil sent Ogerpon sliding backward, while the Geodude shifted its trajectory, already gathering energy for the next strike.
[The Geodude leader is rolling again!]
[Ogerpon used Horn Leech!]
Third round.
The Geodude’s defenses had been raised by Defense Curl, so even though the Horn Leech hit hard, it didn't seem to mind, confident that the accumulated power of its consecutive Rollouts would inevitably crush the Ogre.
Ogerpon gritted its teeth and drove the Horn Leech into the Geodude once more. Life energy flowed from the thorny vines back into Ogerpon’s body, restoring a portion of its stamina.
Watching them go head-to-head, a pang of worry rose in Sera’s heart.
The power of the third Rollout would be astronomical. Ogerpon was already struggling, and it certainly wouldn't be able to withstand the next impact.
But the simulator provided no QTE interface; Sera couldn't intervene. She couldn't understand why Ogerpon, which had been dodging earlier, was now trading health blow-for-blow after learning a new move.
On screen, the Geodude began to roll again.
[The Geodude leader is rolling again!]
—This was the third time.
Sera’s heart leaped into her throat.
[The Teal Mask radiates a brilliant glow!]
The sudden system prompt interrupted her thoughts. The mask of wild joy on Ogerpon’s face began to shimmer with a crystalline brilliance.
It was then that Sera realized the jewel embedded in the mask was glowing with the exact same light as the Geodude’s Terastallization.
But that wasn't what mattered most.
[Ogerpon remembered the move Ivy Cudgel!]
Ivy Cudgel...
A move she had never seen before appeared on her screen. The girl held her breath as the Ogre reached into its cloak and pulled out a wooden club entwined with sturdy vines.
[Ogerpon used Ivy Cudgel!]
Thick Grass-type energy surged, forming a deep green glow around the wooden club.
The Geodude leader, backed by the power of three consecutive Rollouts, came barreling toward her. Facing the onslaught, Ogerpon raised the club and swung it with all its might!
Grass-type energy erupted in a flash. Sera heard a dull, heavy thud, and the Geodude leader was sent flying out from the center of the screen like a falling star.
"GEODUDE!!!"
[The Geodude leader has been knocked out of the battle area. Battle concluded.]
Even the victory announcement felt different from usual.
As the camera perspective shifted, Sera watched Ogerpon, wearing the Teal Mask, drag the vine-covered club toward her. She couldn't help but swallow hard.
What a magnificent move—Ivy Cudgel!
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 12
--+--
Chapter 12: Legends of Ghosts
--+--
[Ogerpon has undergone sufficient training!]
[Ogerpon’s level has increased!]
[Ogerpon has reached Level 10!]
Thanks to the generosity of the Geodude leader, Ogerpon’s level jumped straight to 10.
Coupled with the 3 Effort Values earned from completing the mission, the total Effort Values in Sera’s hands surged to 8.
If she dumped all those points into Special Attack, she might actually be able to learn the Confusion move.
But Sera’s attention wasn't on the points right now.
[Ivy Cudgel: Ogerpon’s signature move. It strikes the target with a vine-covered club and has a high critical-hit ratio. Power: 100.]
The young girl’s finger trembled slightly as she tapped the screen.
"How did my little demon grow up to be so impressive all of a sudden?"
No wonder the Geodude leader couldn't hold on. That Ivy Cudgel must have landed a critical hit, which is why the leader was sent flying like a baseball.
Sera wasn't the only one shocked by Ogerpon’s prowess.
Inside the simulator, the Geodudes who had witnessed the battle were huddled together, shivering. Even a head made of stone could feel fear—that was the power of Ivy Cudgel.
Especially since Ogerpon was still wearing the Teal Mask; as the mask’s manic expression turned toward the Geodudes, it scared them so badly they prostrated themselves on the ground, instantly hailing Ogerpon as the new ruler of Oni’s Maw.
[Ogerpon’s prestige has increased!]
"Oger-pon!"
Ogerpon, surrounded by the flattering crowd, didn't seem to care much.
She raised her club and gave it a couple of swings, sending the Geodudes scurrying away in terror. Only then did Sera realize the reason for the little demon’s actions based on a system prompt.
[Ogerpon wants to celebrate her victory with you.]
"Alright, alright... come here and get some head pats."
Sera let out a sigh of relief. Although Ogerpon had suddenly mastered an incredible move, her behavior remained unchanged; she was still just as spoiled as ever.
Just then, the system delivered a new notification.
[Ding—]
[As Ogerpon has become the new leader of Oni’s Maw and gained widespread fame, more random events will occur in the future.]
[You have received a new raising mission.]
--+--
[Ogre of Oni Mountain - III]
[The Ogre of Oni Mountain has demonstrated its divine might. After defeating the Geodude leader of Oni’s Maw, the demon has become the new sovereign. To solidify her status, please continue to help Ogerpon reclaim her lost strength.]
[Mission Goal: Raise Ogerpon to Level 15. Current progress: 10/15]
[Mission Reward: Effort Values x5, Raising Points x30]
--+--
The new task was a raising mission with no time limit. After all, Ogerpon wouldn't encounter a Geodude leader every day. At a normal pace, leveling up once a day was already considered quite diligent.
Besides, wasn't it about time to explore new maps?
Since Ogerpon had become the leader of Oni’s Maw, the Pokémon active in the vicinity should theoretically be under her protection.
Relying on "little minions" to grind for experience probably wasn't the best long-term strategy.
—I’ll take Ogerpon out to scout for information tomorrow.
Sera made up her mind. As for today, Ogerpon was completely exhausted; no matter how excited she was, it was time to rest.
[You support Ogerpon as she shares her feelings, and the two of you slowly make your way home.]
--+--
Kitakami, Mossui Town.
Carmine, who was in the backyard preparing to train her Pokémon, suddenly saw an object tumble down from the Oni Mountain behind the house.
"Wait—!"
A Geodude, much larger than the average, rolled down along the mountainside and into the distance.
Carmine didn't even have time to stop it, but she caught a glimpse of what looked like bruises and scrapes on its body.
She was quite curious about why a Geodude would come tumbling down the mountain. Logically, even if Geodudes collided with each other, that one shouldn't have been covered in bits of broken grass and wood.
Are there Grass-type Pokémon on Oni Mountain?
Carmine hesitated for a moment.
"Wh—what’s going on?!"
Her younger brother, Kieran, stepped out of the house. He had noticed the commotion, though he hadn't seen the scene as clearly as Carmine.
"Sis, did something just happen?"
"Just a rock rolling down from the mountain," Carmine dismissed it casually.
She thought of the legends about the "Oni" that had always circulated in the village. It was precisely because she couldn't explain the strange marks on the fallen Geodude that she couldn't help but think of the Oni.
She knew her brother well; he had admired the Oni since he was small. If he heard that she’d found potential traces of one, Kieran might get overly excited.
This kid had been a troublemaker since he was a child—even before he had a Pokémon partner, he would dare to venture into Oni Mountain alone to look for the Oni.
If he heard about this, he’d definitely run off into the mountains again.
It was already so late; Carmine couldn't risk letting Kieran go up there.
—If there really is an Oni on the mountain, I’ll find a chance to investigate it myself.
If there truly was an Oni and she confirmed it was safe, she could find a time to tell Kieran later. Carmine silently resolved to do so.
"Oh, right, Sis." Kieran didn't suspect a thing. "Grandpa said he wanted to discuss your enrollment."
"What else is there to discuss? We already agreed we’d both be enrolling in Blueberry Academy." Carmine frowned, her expression showing her annoyance.
Seeing his sister like this, Kieran shrank back, his tone weakening. "Grandpa said... I don't necessarily have to go to school right now..."
"If you don't go to school, you'll just be stuck at home by yourself, won't you?"
"I don't think that's a problem..."
"I think it is!"
Carmine glared, teeth gritted, her face looking so terrifying that Kieran was rendered speechless. Seeing that her brother had no further objections, Carmine seemed satisfied and headed toward the house.
"I’ll persuade Grandpa. In any case, just be ready to go to Blueberry Academy with me in a while."
Only after Carmine’s figure disappeared behind the door did Kieran dare to let out a breath and mutter to himself.
"Honestly..."
His sister had been incredibly overbearing since they were young, always refusing to let him voice his own opinions.
Before long, he would be attending Blueberry Academy in the Unova region with her.
Although Carmine hadn't convinced the family yet, Kieran knew that his strong-willed sister would eventually take him to Unova regardless.
While Kieran didn't always think his sister was wrong, the feeling that his words held no weight still left him feeling a bit dejected. Whenever that happened, Kieran would look up at the mountain behind the house.
"...If only I were as strong as the Oni."
The boy’s face filled with envy.
"Someone who isn't afraid of any challenge, who possesses the strength to easily defeat any opponent, and who never feels lonely even while living alone."
"Kieran—!"
"Coming!"
Carmine’s call echoed from inside. Kieran responded quickly, pushing aside his thoughts and opening the wooden door to step inside.
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 13
--+--
Chapter 13: The Escort Commission
--+--
Johto Region, Azalea Town.
Sera showed her master the payment record.
"Gym Leader Bugsy seems very pleased with that Fast Ball. He took it and headed straight into the forest to catch some Pokémon the moment he received it yesterday."
The old craftsman fell silent for a moment.
I told you to make one Fast Ball as your final apprentice task, I didn't say you had to finish it in a single day...
Based on Kurt’s understanding of Sera, he expected the girl to prepare carefully, spending two or three days meticulously crafting it.
He even imagined she would bring the ball for him to inspect, ensuring the quality was impeccable before finally handing it over to Bugsy.
He never expected that only a day later, Sera would tell him it had already been delivered.
Kurt was caught completely off guard.
Just as Sera had thought when she first received the final task, Kurt had long ago considered the girl’s craftsmanship to be superb; she didn't really need any extra testing.
Kurt had passed Bugsy’s commission on to Sera not only to help her build her professional network but because the old craftsman had a specific idea in mind.
—He wanted to prepare a gift for his apprentice.
That gift was incredibly time-consuming to prepare—a single day was nowhere near enough. Thinking that Sera now had no reason to stay, beads of sweat began to form on Kurt's temples.
However, the old craftsman kept a straight, stern face, showing no sign of his inner panic.
"When are you leaving?" the old man asked calmly.
Sera didn't think much of it and answered immediately.
"In about two or three days. I want to do some more preparation."
This was the first time Sera was preparing for a long journey. In her memories of traveling, she only recalled that accidents always seemed to happen in the animation.
Fortunately, Sera could still absorb the experience of her predecessors from the forums.
The ordinary trainers who she had paid little mind to while playing games or watching the animation in her past life were, in reality, the very group upholding regional peace for the League.
Most trainers, after debuting, would challenge Gyms following the routes recommended by the League to qualify for the League Conference. Once they reached the Conference, they would showcase their strength in round after round of battles.
Although not every trainer could become a Champion, as long as they possessed sufficient strength, the League would reserve a spot for them within the system.
Aside from the League institutions, the various Gyms also recruited trainers. Gym trainers were required to complete tasks issued by the Gym leaders, and in return, they received specialized insights into the Gym's specific type.
Regardless, even though there was occasional competition, according to the threads Sera had browsed online, trainers generally got along quite harmoniously and would help each other out while on the road.
The header of the Johto League's public trainer forum even had a pinned list of recommended items for new trainers to purchase before traveling.
While basic necessities like Potions or Repel could be bought at standard League-recommended stores, Sera needed more time to compare prices and quality for other items.
"I see."
Kurt breathed a sigh of relief. The timing was now about what he had anticipated.
"Come see me again before you set off."
"Of course, Master. I'll make sure to come by and say a proper goodbye."
The girl smiled, which earned her a grumpy lecture from the old craftsman.
"Just make sure you don't give me a heart attack," he muttered.
Finishing an Apricorn ball in one day—looking at Sera’s complexion now, she seemed no more tired than usual, meaning she hadn't even spent much effort on it.
Sera’s skills were already this refined, yet he had kept her as an apprentice in the workshop for so long. The proud old craftsman felt increasingly uncomfortable the more he thought about it.
"Why are you still standing there? Go back and get yourself properly prepared."
For her final graduation ceremony in three days, he needed to hurry up and finish that upgrade.
To ensure Sera wouldn't see him in a flustered state, Kurt began to shoo her away.
"Yes, yes."
The girl responded and headed out.
--+--
Sera wasn't in a hurry to return home. Since she had come to report her progress to Kurt, she figured she might as well stop by the Pokémon Center on her way.
As the automatic doors of the Pokémon Center opened, the familiar music drifted into her ears, and Nurse Joy, waiting at the counter, looked over.
"Welcome! Is there something I can help you with today?"
"Please help me upload a commission."
The technology in this world was similar to what she was familiar with.
Smartphones, computers, and internet platforms were likely influenced by certain advanced technologies, with some areas even surpassing her previous life.
For example, the commission system set up on the trainer exchange forum—something this sophisticated didn't exist in the games of her past life. Now that Sera could easily recruit trainers, she felt like she was truly enjoying the perks of the League.
"What type of commission would you like to post?"
"An escort."
Sera provided additional details.
"I am traveling from Azalea Town to Ecruteak City. Since I plan to spend a week in the National Park, I need to hire a trainer to protect me during that time. As for the payment..."
The girl thought for a moment.
"A specific type of Apricorn ball."
"An Apricorn ball?"
Nurse Joy’s expression was one of surprise.
"That value is a bit too high. Generally, the cost for an escort in a non-dangerous zone is 300 to 500 Poké Dollars a day. Are you sure you want to set the reward as an Apricorn ball?"
The League’s commission system primarily served trainers looking to make money, but that didn't mean Nurse Joy would be biased toward them; she needed to explain the market rates to the requester to avoid future conflicts.
Within the trainer circle, Apricorn balls were viewed as very precious items. When Bugsy bought his Fast Ball, he only spent 9,000, but that was because he bought it directly from Kurt in Azalea Town, avoiding extra overhead.
Sera had priced an Apricorn ball at 10,000 in her head, which was actually an underestimate of how much they were in demand. At 10,000 each, wealthy trainers would buy them as fast as they could be made.
Although Apricorn balls didn't affect a Pokémon's base stats, trainers never skimped on them—whether it was the psychology of showing off or a simple desire for rarity, they loved having their Pokémon reside in them.
Besides, Sera was offering a specifically requested type of Apricorn ball.
—With a reward like this, are you trying to attract a Gym Leader to join in on the fun?
Nurse Joy, still maintaining her professional smile, thought to herself.
In reality, Sera was indeed harboring similar thoughts.
This was her first time traveling far from home, and prior to this, her life had been a simple two-point line between her house and the workshop. Even now, Sera didn't have many friends.
After delivering the Fast Ball for her final task, Sera had added Gym Leader Bugsy to her contact list, but that was far from enough.
My dream is to become a Pokémon Trainer!
With the Electronic Pokémon Raising System activated, Sera’s heart was stirring. She couldn't wait to become a full-fledged trainer.
But before that, Sera believed she needed to observe the lives of other trainers more closely as a form of preparation.
Using an Apricorn ball that only took an hour to craft to trick an elite trainer into being her study subject—this was definitely a bargain!
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 14
--+--
Chapter 14: The Ogre Establishes Its Might
--+--
Stepping out of the Pokémon Center, Sera felt a flicker of anticipation, but that was quickly replaced by a faint, rhythmic vibration in her palm.
The simulator was signaling that something was happening.
Sera looked left and right before finding a roadside bench to sit on. She took out her phone, though her focus was entirely on the simulator screen that only she could see.
[Ogerpon feels very afraid.]
The moment she opened the app, the alert that popped up gave Sera a start.
...What's going on?
Sera quickly scrolled back to find the truth of the situation.
[Due to the commotion on Oni Mountain, villagers came to investigate and accidentally encountered Ogerpon.]
[You have received a new limited-time mission.]
--+--
[Flash Event: Establishing Might]
[To maintain the reputation of the "Ogre," please defeat the villager alongside Ogerpon.]
[Mission Goal: Defeat the villager]
[Mission Reward: Effort Value +1, Raising Points +10]
--+--
Oh, so it was just a random NPC spawn.
Sera let out a breath of relief.
She knew very well that her little ogre wasn't particularly brave. At first, she would even get startled by Sera’s own touch, so it wasn't surprising that she would be frightened by a villager suddenly popping up.
However.
"Only one Effort Value?"
Sera eyed the rewards.
Mission rewards in the simulator were usually tied to the difficulty.
For instance, the first stage of the "Ogre of Oni Mountain" quest—where she had to defeat ten wild Pokémon—was an easy task that also rewarded a single Effort Value.
In other words, Ogerpon could easily trounce this freshly spawned villager.
Still, an Effort Value was an Effort Value.
[Ogerpon has sensed your presence.]
[Ogerpon is filled with power!]
Good.
The girl smiled and extended her finger, tapping on the pixelated villager whose features were barely distinguishable on the screen.
--+--
Carmine was in a foul mood.
The ogre from the legends... it actually existed.
And it was standing right in front of her.
The ogre didn't say a word, but she could tell from the way its face was oriented that it was staring directly at her. Being watched by that mask, which looked like it was fixed in a crazed, permanent grin, made Carmine’s skin crawl with terror.
"...Hello?"
Carmine tried to speak up.
But the ogre seemed not to hear, standing there in perfect silence.
The suffocating pressure weighed on Carmine, and her fear gradually transformed into irritation. Having never been one to stay quiet, she leaned forward, her hand stealthily reaching toward her waist.
Carmine was glad she hadn't been reckless and had brought a partner before climbing the mountain. As her fingers brushed against the cold Poké Ball, she snatched it and threw it forward.
"Vulpix!"
A reddish-brown fox kit with six tails landed on the ground. Carmine felt her resolve harden.
A Fire-type Pokémon, Vulpix.
Based on Carmine’s guess, this ogre was likely a Grass-type; Vulpix had a clear type advantage.
If that was the case...
A crafty plan began to form in Carmine's mind.
However, the very next moment, her eyes went wide, and she let out a sharp cry.
"Vulpix, dodge it!"
Thud!
A club wrapped in sharp, thorny vines slammed heavily into the spot where Vulpix had been standing just a second ago. Carmine scrambled backward, but flying debris grazed her cheek, leaving a shallow cut.
She had no time to worry about that, as the ogre, still holding the thorny club, began its next round of attacks.
Thud!!
The crisp sound of wooden feet striking the ground echoed through the air. The force behind the falling vine club was absolutely terrifying.
Carmine watched helplessly as the club struck Vulpix. The hit was so powerful that Vulpix let out a whimper and went down, losing consciousness before it even hit the ground.
"Vulpix!"
With lightning-fast reflexes, Carmine raised her hand and recalled Vulpix with its Poké Ball.
Wasn't that a Grass-type move?
Carmine couldn't believe it, her mind racing.
The thorny club held by the ogre had radiated the grass-green glow characteristic of Grass-type energy, yet a move like that had cleanly knocked out her Vulpix in one strike.
...This is too insane.
This was definitely not an opponent she could handle.
Carmine stepped back, fighting to steady her nerves. She noticed the ogre dragging the club loosely on the ground, showing no intent to pursue.
Run!
Without hesitation, Carmine spun around and sprinted down the mountain. She felt like she had tapped into an unprecedented potential; even back when she was a mischievous kid being chased by her grandfather with a broom across half the village, she had never run this fast.
--+--
[Mission Completed]
[You have received Effort Value +1, Raising Points +10]
Sera watched the villager scramble away in the simulator, and she couldn't help but find it amusing, knowing these were the very people spreading rumors about Ogerpon being an "ogre."
Now you know how strong my little ogre is, don't you?
Through this battle, Sera realized that Ogerpon’s strength had improved significantly.
If that Geodude leader from before were to stand in front of her again, Ogerpon, now recalling the "Ivy Cudgel" move, would surely defeat it with ease.
Ivy Cudgel—truly terrifying.
Sera was finding the move more and more useful.
However, she also had to consider the downsides.
Since villager NPCs were now spawning on Oni Mountain, the speed at which Ogerpon’s reputation as an "ogre" was spreading seemed faster than she had anticipated.
The villager she just dealt with, who used a Vulpix, was a complete novice. If a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or even a Champion-level NPC were to come and try to "subdue the ogre," they certainly couldn't just brute-force their way through it.
"You have to know when to run," Sera said to Ogerpon, tapping the screen to convey the importance of caution to her little monster.
"Pon!"
[Ogerpon has sensed your hint!]
It seemed the message got through.
With nine Effort Values now accumulated after completing the mission, Sera felt quite satisfied. She was absentmindedly fiddling with her phone when she looked up and saw someone walking toward her.
"...Gym Leader Bugsy?"
Bugsy turned at the sound of the greeting.
"Oh, if it isn't Sera."
The young Gym Leader beamed, looking like he was in a fantastic mood.
"Fancy running into you here. Are you at the Pokémon Center for something?"
"Yeah, I just finished handling a request. What about you, Bugsy?"
"Hahaha! How did you know I finally caught a Scyther?"
Before Sera could even finish her question, Bugsy had already let the cat out of the bag with a chuckle.
Who even asked you?
Sera thought to herself with a mental eye-roll.
But from his response, she gathered that he’d managed to snag the Scyther he’d been eyeing and was likely bringing it to the center for a check-up.
"By the way, that Fast Ball you gave me worked wonders," Bugsy said, his smile softening as he got to the point.
"I only had to show a little bit of my strength to the Scyther, and as soon as I tossed the Fast Ball, it dove right in, eager to be caught!"
"I think that probably had more to do with your own skill as a Gym Leader, Bugsy..." Sera replied with practiced modesty. Bugsy, however, shook his head.
"I know Bug-types better than anyone, and I'm telling you, it wanted to be caught because of the draw of that Apricorn ball. So, I have to ask—do you have any more of those Apricorn balls?"
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 15
--+--
Chapter 15: The Flawed History
--+--
Bugsy’s request for more Apricorn Poké Balls was entirely within Sera’s expectations.
"I’m sorry, but I don’t have any on hand right now."
In truth, Sera hadn't been keen on crafting more Apricorn Balls lately.
Though she could churn them out with incredible speed, she was wary of the concern she’d had before: if she flooded the market with her own supply, the volume of orders for Master Kurt would inevitably dwindle.
"How about this?"
After offering a polite refusal, Sera thought for a moment and added, "If Gym Leader Bugsy doesn’t mind the wait, you can give me your requirements, and I’ll craft them for you when I have the time. How does that sound?"
"No problem at all!"
Having her request accepted at all was a pleasant surprise. Bugsy was well-accustomed to the eccentric temperaments of various craftsmen, and seeing how easy-going Sera was, he felt a wave of relief.
As expected of the apprentice Mr. Kurt keeps praising—she speaks of crafting Apricorn Balls as if it were nothing!
"Then, I shall look forward to Gym Leader Bugsy’s formal order," Sera said with a nod, offering a follow-up.
"Also, I can use the Apricorns you provide yourself, so feel free to bring those along if you have them."
"That would be fantastic!"
The young Gym Leader’s expression turned even more enthusiastic. It was a well-known fact that not every craftsman could consistently produce quality Apricorn Balls.
Even Kurt, the finest master in the Johto region, could usually only manage to produce one a day. For others, manual crafting often resulted in "by-products" like Great Balls, Ultra Balls, or just standard Poké Balls.
Some craftsmen even sold basic, mass-produced style Poké Balls they’d cobbled together—items that lacked any special effects and were often prone to defects compared to machine-made versions.
To ensure consistency and, more importantly, to protect their reputation, many craftsmen strictly refused outside materials, sticking only to reliable, high-grade berries.
However, the truly seasoned veterans had a different philosophy.
Kurt, for instance, had a habit of using the Apricorns trainers brought themselves, believing that such Poké Balls were truly unique creations that belonged to the trainer alone.
Thinking of this, Sera’s casual offer to do custom work shot her up in Bugsy’s estimation.
Sera herself didn’t think much of it. She used her psychic powers to craft the balls; she never had to worry about failure, so as long as the buyer was willing to shoulder the cost of the materials, she was happy to oblige.
After bidding farewell to Bugsy, Sera turned and headed home.
With most of her tasks handled, all that remained for the next few days was to select one of the trainers from her escort missions, and then she would be ready to set out on her journey.
The bustling Goldenrod City, the nature-filled National Park, and, most importantly, Ecruteak City.
In the games, Ecruteak was a city of legend, representing centuries of Johto’s history—she couldn't help but wonder what those twin towers, which held such weight in folklore, would look like in reality. She was truly looking forward to seeing those sights with her own eyes.
--+--
Kitakami, Mossui Town.
In contrast to the relaxed girl in Johto, Kieran's sister, Carmine, knelt before her grandfather, grumbling internally.
Why do I have to be the one getting lectured?
"What were you thinking, heading to Oni Mountain all by yourself to go on some adventure!"
The old man was breathless, his voice stern. "I thought only Kieran was this reckless, but you, as his older sister—how can you treat the village legends with such disregard?"
"But... I didn't think it was that dangerous," Carmine couldn't help but interject.
It was true. Even though she had actually encountered the legendary "oni" and sustained a small injury, after fleeing home, she had carefully mulled it over.
If the oni were truly as brutal as the stories claimed, and had used its full strength to pursue her, there was no way she could have gotten away with just a few scratches.
Even her Vulpix had only fainted from exhaustion. Was the legendary monster really as terrifying as they said?
"I just don't get it," Carmine muttered. Not wanting to keep her doubts bottled up, she looked her grandfather straight in the eye. "I really did meet the masked oni, and in the end, I wasn't even hurt."
"Everyone says the oni is a violent beast. They say a long time ago, it came to the village to wreak havoc, and the Loyal Three drove it away to save us."
"Ever since then, they say it’s been lurking outside the village. They say if you run into it after dusk, it will steal your soul, and you’ll never return to the village again."
Facts spoke louder than words. Carmine knew she had encountered the oni, and she had returned safely. So, between the village legends and her own experience, which one was the truth?
The old man’s eyes widened. It took a moment for him to process what his granddaughter had just said.
"You met... the oni?"
He fell silent for a long time, then let out a heavy, weary sigh. "I had no idea it was still wandering the trails of Oni Mountain."
"Is that such a strange thing?" Carmine asked, confused. Even though she was full of doubts, the legend of the oni on the mountain had been part of the village lore since she was a child.
"You think it's normal only because you don't know the real history," the old man said, his expression deepening with sorrow. "I never wanted to tell you this, but since you’ve encountered Ogerpon... it’s time you heard the truth."
The sudden weight of his words left Carmine stunned.
Her previous outburst had just been an act of frustration; she hadn't actually expected an answer. But her grandfather was showing a level of calm and understanding that transcended common reason.
"The real history..." Carmine repeated the words, feeling a shiver go down her spine. She realized she was about to hear a truth that would shatter everything she had ever believed.
"Yes. The true history passed down through our family is the exact opposite of the legends shared by the village."
The old man didn't beat around the bush; he told her the answer directly.
What followed was a long, harrowing story. By the time he finished, he refilled his tea, leaving Carmine in a state of absolute fury. She felt an intense, burning rage.
That creature with the hideous, mocking mask had only attacked to push back her Vulpix; in truth, neither of them had been seriously harmed.
No—she should call her Ogerpon. Carmine now knew the oni’s true name.
According to the legends of Kitakami, Ogerpon possessed four brilliant, magical masks, and the club she wielded changed depending on which mask she wore: the teal Teal Mask that could revive withered plants; the crimson Hearthflame Mask that could make flames roar; the azure Wellspring Mask that could bring rivers to a standstill; and the gray Cornerstone Mask that granted her the power to crush boulders.
These masks had originally belonged to Ogerpon.
Legend claimed the Loyal Three worshiped by the village had snatched three of the masks to seal away the evil oni’s power. But in reality, those three "loyal" heroes had simply stolen them.
That was why Ogerpon had flown into a rage, stormed down the mountain, and struck them down.
"...So we've been worshipping those thieves for hundreds of years?" Carmine asked, unable to believe it.
The old man sighed deeply. "History fades over time. Even if it’s wrong, the people of this village prefer to believe the lie. If they were to admit the truth, Kitakami, which relies on tourism, would face total ruin. Our ancestors were persecuted for this very reason."
"So, remember," he cautioned, "never speak of this to outsiders."
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 16
--+--
Chapter 16: Ogerpon's Resolve
--+--
"Ugh, this is so frustrating!"
Carmine paced back and forth in her room, gritting her teeth in anger.
The truth she had just learned echoed in her mind, and being as hot-headed as she was, it was becoming increasingly hard to keep her cool.
But, as her grandfather had said, she wasn't a child anymore. Carmine knew this wasn't something she could just throw a tantrum over; if she let her temper get the better of her, things would only spiral out of control.
Worst-case scenario? They would end up just like their ancestors—outcasts, shunned by the entire village.
Reflecting on the potential consequences, Carmine forced herself to calm down with a speed that even she found surprising.
Though the fire of indignation still burned deep within, she chose to sit in her chair, bouncing her leg as she plotted her next move.
She wasn't ready to give up.
Admittedly... she knew she couldn't just walk out and reveal the truth to the villagers, but surely, there had to be something she could do, right?
For instance, she could visit Ogerpon again.
Carmine wanted to make it clear that she meant no harm and that she now knew the truth about their history. If possible, she wanted to help the Pokémon from this point on.
"Alright! That's the plan!"
With that thought, she bolted up from her seat, sending her chair skidding backward.
In the next room, Kieran heard his sister acting wild and let out a heavy sigh.
"She's such a handful..."
--+--
Early the next morning.
Oni Mountain, Dreaded Den.
Ogerpon was still fast asleep, clutching a handmade doll of a girl, a thin trail of drool glistening at the corner of her mouth. Suddenly, she sensed footsteps.
"Po... Pon?!"
Startled, Ogerpon's first instinct was to stuff the doll into her arms, look around frantically, and reach for her mask.
While the Dreaded Den was filled with many treasures she held dear, her subconscious urge to flee made her want to grab the most important things first.
Moments later, her fingers brushed against the mask, and she finally snapped back to reality.
Why am I running away?
In the past, Ogerpon had adamantly resisted contact with any human or Pokémon. She feared being looked at, wanting nothing more than to escape to a corner where no one would notice her and live out her days in solitude.
But now, she had someone she could lean on.
Ogerpon pulled the doll back out from her embrace. The white-haired girl on the doll wore a gentle smile; just looking at it made Ogerpon feel a surge of strength coursing through her.
She is with me!
Renewing her resolve, Ogerpon didn't hesitate. She placed the Teal Mask on her face and stepped out of the cave.
Outside.
Carmine was taking deep breaths, her heart hammering in her chest.
"It's okay... Ogerpon is a pitiful, kind-hearted Pokémon... Ogerpon is a pitiful, kind-hearted Pokémon..."
Even though the history her grandfather told her echoed in her mind, the stories and legends she had grown up with didn't fade so easily.
When she heard the crisp, woody sound of Ogerpon’s footsteps on the ground, Carmine flinched, then mustered every ounce of courage she had and looked toward the cave entrance.
The ogre emerged, wearing the teal mask and dragging its club of vines behind it.
Gulp.
Carmine clearly heard the sound of her own swallowing.
No matter how I look at it, this is still terrifying!!!
Across from her, Ogerpon was staring just as intently at Carmine.
The clothes she's wearing... she's from the village down the mountain...
Having occasionally wandered near the village, Ogerpon noticed this and couldn't help but tremble as she tightened her grip on her club.
No, I can't be scared!
Ogerpon squeezed the club even harder.
Yesterday, her companion had touched her heart, telling her never to shrink back and to face her fears with courage. If Sera only knew how her heartfelt message had been interpreted, she would surely have complicated feelings.
But for now, Ogerpon managed to find her courage once more, keeping her eyes locked on Carmine.
"U-um..."
Carmine felt the chill creeping up her spine. Somewhere along the way, she felt the atmosphere around them shift into something deeply unsettling.
"...Good morning?"
After struggling for a long moment, that was the only greeting Carmine could manage.
"..."
Ogerpon said nothing, completely unable to grasp what this human wanted. After pondering for a bit, she remembered that her companion might be back soon.
If she was still being bothered by then, their time together would be wasted!
"Pon!"
Ogerpon raised her club.
Seeing the ogre prepare to attack, Carmine scrambled in a panic, grumbling under her breath.
"Ah, I knew it! I knew this would happen!"
She should have known that neither the legends nor her grandfather's history lessons were reliable!
Ogerpon wasn't the monster from the fairy tales, but she wasn't some pushover who would just let people bully her, either. Having lived alone for so many years, it was clear she was fed up and wasn't going to listen to reason!
"Vulpix!"
Carmine tossed her Poké Ball back, stepping away at the same time.
When Vulpix landed in front of Ogerpon, it began to shiver at the sight of the ogre.
The memory of being struck by that club was still fresh, and Vulpix looked at Carmine with pleading eyes—but its trainer was currently busy diving for cover herself.
"Dodge it!"
With no other choice, Vulpix tried its best to evade. But just as it jumped, a heavy swing smashed into the spot where it had been standing a split second before.
CRACK!
Stone shards flew everywhere!
Carmine’s nerves were shredded. She knew Ogerpon would follow up with a lightning-fast second strike. Vulpix wouldn't be fast enough to dodge again, so...
"Vulpix, use Spite!"
"Vulpix!"
The trust built from years of working together made Vulpix understand immediately. It let out a cry, its tails swaying as its eyes glowed faintly.
The move, Spite!
A wave of energy surged forward to forcibly hinder the opponent’s ability to use the same move repeatedly, and Ogerpon stiffened.
Carmine felt a glimmer of hope. It wasn't what she intended, but if she couldn't calm Ogerpon down, they would never be able to talk.
However, her joy was short-lived. She watched as the ogre moved once more.
With the mask hiding any expression, it looked as if the ogre were sneering at Carmine's futile attempt. It took a step, shrugged off the effect, and thorns began to emerge and condense into sharp points on its hands.
This move is...
Carmine’s face paled as she realized what was coming. Before she could even shout, Ogerpon lunged forward.
Moving at a speed impossible to react to, Ogerpon slammed the Horn Leech into Vulpix. Even though it was a Grass-type move, the impact sent Vulpix reeling with a pained yelp.
It stumbled back, not quite unconscious, but with almost no strength left to fight.
Another failure.
Carmine gripped her Poké Ball tightly, a heavy sense of frustration weighing on her. She hesitated, wondering if she should continue the battle.
Just then, a voice called out from behind her.
"...Sister!"
Carmine turned, stunned, to see Kieran panting heavily, his eyes fixed on Ogerpon.
"Th-that Pokémon..."
The boy couldn't catch his breath, but he couldn't take his eyes off her either.
"...Is it a ghost?"
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 17
--+--
Chapter 17: Infernal Pass
--+--
At first, Kieran just felt that his sister had been acting a bit strange lately, so he secretly followed her as she climbed Oni Mountain.
It wasn’t until he saw Ogerpon that he finally understood what she had been hiding.
A monster.
The boy’s breathing hitched.
Growing up, Kieran had always lived in his sister’s shadow. Carmine’s overbearing personality never allowed him to voice an opinion of his own, which was why he had always looked up to the monster from the village legends.
The monster could defeat the Loyal Three all by itself; it lived alone on Oni Mountain, yet it never felt lonely.
Strong and aloof—that was the monster Kieran aspired to be.
But only when he truly stared at it did he notice the part he had overlooked all these years.
The crystals embedded in the teal mask glinted brilliantly under the sun, the maniacal expression carved into it mocking the reckless audacity of the two siblings.
Kieran began to tremble.
It wasn't until his sister couldn't help but hug her own body and take a shaky step backward that the boy realized aspiration was nothing like reality.
The moment the monster truly appeared, its terror was no longer just a legend.
"Kieran! Didn't I tell you not to come up to Oni Mountain?!"
"B-but, sis..."
"I’ll deal with you when we get back!"
Carmine was incredibly annoyed.
It was one thing that the stories Grandpa told about Ogerpon being kind were clearly untrue, but now her little brother was being a troublemaker, following her out here to go on an adventure.
She had been trying to figure out how to handle Ogerpon, but with Kieran appearing, Carmine had no choice but to give up.
"Run!"
"S-sis!"
--+--
At noon, having finished her tasks and finally enjoying a rare, good nap, Sera opened her simulator, only to be startled by a long string of pop-up notifications.
[Ogerpon has taken the initiative to fight back and repel the villagers. Ogerpon's prestige has increased slightly!]
...I’m shocked. My digital Pokémon has learned how to "grind" on its own.
Then again, didn't I tell Ogerpon to run if the situation looked bad?
The girl furrowed her brow, realizing things weren't as simple as they seemed.
The situation she had worried about earlier was becoming a reality. Since Ogerpon’s reputation was constantly rising, Sera couldn't monitor the simulator every single second. If some powerful enemy were to spawn later...
"Can't be too stubborn."
Sera curled her finger and tapped Ogerpon’s wooden head on the screen, scolding it.
"Next time when I’m not around, if you sense the opponent is too strong, you need to run, understand?"
“Pon…”
[Ogerpon covers its head, looking aggrieved.]
Sera didn't know what to do.
Even though she could intervene in various ways while using the simulator, once she stepped away, Ogerpon had to rely on its own judgment.
She couldn't blame Ogerpon this time, either. If it didn't want to run, then she’d just have to train it to be even stronger.
Looking on the bright side, as long as Ogerpon was strong enough to keep actively repelling the enemies that spawned, wasn't that just speeding up the growth process?
Adjusting her mood, Sera retracted her previous warning and gently rubbed the spot on the screen she had just tapped.
"Keep it up and keep leveling up."
“Pon!”
[Ogerpon is feeling a little happy!]
Getting Ogerpon stronger wasn't something she could rush. The Effort Values gained from daily toy training were limited, and relying solely on going out to find wild Pokémon was too slow.
Sera thought to herself as she tapped the Gible ball on the screen. She was already proficient in the mini-game’s mechanics, so she could easily multitask.
Since there were only so many things she could do in total, increasing efficiency had become the priority.
The system shop was all-encompassing. Aside from the Rare Candies that could directly level up a Pokémon, it had every item from the original games, and some that weren't even in them.
So, how about this item?
Sera looked at the Floral Incense in the held-item category.
[Floral Incense: An incense with a magical fragrance. It lasts for 12 hours. During this time, the Pokémon holding it will increase its efficiency and power when practicing Grass-type moves.]
All three moves Ogerpon currently knew—Vine Whip, Horn Leech, and Ivy Cudgel—were Grass-type. The Floral Incense would boost the power of all of them.
But more than the power boost, what Sera valued more was the increase in training efficiency.
The Electronic Pokemon Raising System provided ratings based on a Pokémon's proficiency with their moves, divided into three levels: Basic, Proficient, and Master.
Moves that had just been learned only had a Basic rating, which meant the Pokémon could only use the move rigidly and struggled to adapt flexibly.
Once a move rating reached "Proficient," the Pokémon could alter the form of the move, releasing it rapidly by sacrificing some power, or charging it up to increase its strength.
Until it reached the highest level: Master.
According to the system's introduction, Sera understood that the Master level was like the various bizarre ways moves were used in the anime.
Things like a Grass-type Pokémon swallowing an Energy Ball to restore its stamina, or a counter-shield.
Once a move's proficiency reached the Master level, a single move could be used flexibly to deal with various situations.
Sera didn't dare to dream of Ogerpon's moves reaching the Master level just yet, but at the very least, bumping up the three moves currently at the Basic level shouldn't be a problem.
"Games are just great."
The girl sighed with emotion.
If she were a real-life rookie trainer and a Pokémon actually appeared in front of her, she wouldn't even know how to train it properly.
But games were different.
All she had to do was give Ogerpon a Floral Incense, and the little one would figure it out on its own; Sera didn't have to put in any extra effort.
Having accepted the mechanics of the simulator, Sera couldn't help but envy this convenience.
After all, she was about to start looking for her first real-life Pokémon. Detached from the convenience of the Electronic Pokemon Raising System, Sera felt a bit insecure about her first attempt at raising one.
—If only Ogerpon from the game could jump out and become her starter Pokémon one day.
Sigh.
Ogerpon had already brought her enough Effort Values in the game; if she got any greedier, even Arceus might not be able to stand it.
Sera set aside her greed and began to operate the screen in earnest.
Since the Oni’s Maw territory was no longer suitable for training, today Sera was going to take Ogerpon to a new map to find new sparring partners.
[You and Ogerpon pass through the Oni’s Maw and arrive at Infernal Pass.]
As the map name changed, Sera watched as the environment on the screen shifted as well.
Heat rose in the narrow mountain pass, the shimmering, distorted air signaling a rise in temperature, with volcanic gases puffing out from every corner.
Upon entering Infernal Pass, new wild Pokémon appeared in the surroundings.
Sera took a quick look at the new Pokémon and discovered that their types were completely different from the ones in the Oni’s Maw, consisting mostly of Fire and Poison types.
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 18
--+--
Chapter 18: Ogerpon Wants to Become Stronger
--+--
Houndour, Koffing, Geodude...
If the goal were simply to defeat Pokémon, the typing of the wild Pokémon in Infernal Pass would be a disaster for Ogerpon.
The environment of Infernal Pass is several times harsher than Oni’s Maw; the Pokémon that thrive here are predominantly Fire and Poison types—both of which have a type advantage over the Grass-type Ogerpon.
Moreover, the level gap was painfully obvious.
Sera surveyed the area, noting that all the wild Pokémon she saw were between levels 15 and 25.
That Geodude leader from earlier had only been level 20, which meant it was nearly impossible for the current Ogerpon to "conquer" Infernal Pass.
But Sera hadn't come here to conquer the place.
The Electronic Pokemon Raising System didn't require victory over an opponent to gain experience; as long as the training was deemed productive, the Pokémon would grow naturally.
Winning or losing didn't really matter—it was more about the satisfaction of a good fight.
Sera carefully picked her target and chose a level 16 Houndour to test the waters.
[You offered the Floral Incense to Ogerpon.]
[Ogerpon is holding the Floral Incense and feels very happy!]
Everything was ready. Sera tapped the Houndour wandering by the side of the road.
"Woof!"
[Houndour initiates a battle against Ogerpon!]
With a sharp bark, the small, black, vicious dog—its back covered in bone-like protrusions—lunged forward.
Houndour.
Sera was quite familiar with this Pokémon. Beyond the data she had memorized from the Pokédex in her previous life, Houndour were a common sight in the Johto region.
These Dark/Fire dual-types typically roamed in packs, using their cries to communicate. Their teamwork was exceptional, making them a terrifying sight for anyone in the wild.
Even average Trainers wouldn't dream of provoking a pack of Houndour; like most Dark-type Pokémon, they were incredibly vengeful.
If you angered one, it would chase you for half the day just to vent its frustration.
Conversely, they made excellent partners for the right Trainer. Fierce yet intelligent, these Pokémon were now widely integrated as companions for Trainers under the Pokémon League’s guidance.
Some were even adopted by regular families, proving perfectly capable as both guard dogs and playmates for children.
Sera had actually considered raising a Houndour when she first started out. If it weren't for pulling Ogerpon in the simulator, she might have had a Houndour by her side in reality right now.
"Pon!"
Bringing her focus back to the simulator, Ogerpon stepped up to meet the Houndour.
Sera still hadn't determined Ogerpon's exact base stats, but based on past performance, she hadn't yet encountered an opponent who could rival her in raw ability. She had to be formidable.
Even though Ogerpon was lower level than the Houndour, Sera remained calm, even allowing herself a moment to deliberate.
The Houndour seemed savvier than its peers. Upon seeing that Ogerpon wasn't intimidated by its mask, it let out a cautious growl.
[Houndour used Leer!]
[Ogerpon’s Defense fell!]
[Because of Defiant, Ogerpon’s Attack rose sharply!]
Sera held back a laugh.
This was the first time she had seen Ogerpon’s Ability trigger. Because of the Houndour’s caution, Ogerpon had gained an unprecedented power boost.
Sera noticed Ogerpon hesitate on the screen for a moment, clearly confused as to why she suddenly felt so much stronger.
But a second later, Ogerpon instinctively raised her hand.
[Ogerpon used Ivy Cudgel!]
Normally, a Grass-type Ivy Cudgel would only deal half damage to a Fire-type Houndour due to type effectiveness. But with her Attack stat doubled, Ogerpon swung the thorny club with such force that the air itself churned. The Houndour sensed danger before the strike even landed.
When the club finally came down, the Houndour collapsed to the ground with a whimper, clutching its back.
"Woo—!"
[Houndour is out of energy. The battle is over.]
It seemed that even with a type disadvantage, Ogerpon’s power was more than enough to hold her own on the outskirts of Infernal Pass.
Sera pulled out two Oran Berries, tossing one to the Houndour and one to Ogerpon. Aside from that stubborn Geodude leader, Sera always fed the wild Pokémon after a battle.
Berries were cheap to her, but feeding the local wildlife was an effective way to lower their resentment.
It was a tip she had picked up from a Trainer forum. Fierce wild Pokémon often clashed among themselves, and in secluded, competitive areas, the Pokémon were usually high-leveled and hostile.
Battles were unavoidable for traveling Trainers, but there was an unspoken code to appease the wild Pokémon afterward.
If every Trainer just beat up the locals and walked away, the Pokémon in that area would eventually grow to despise humans. But if you turned a fight into a sort of transaction—tossing them some easy-to-obtain food—the Pokémon in frequently visited areas would eventually become much friendlier.
Even though the simulator wasn't reality, Sera still received a reward for giving out the berries.
[Houndour acknowledges Ogerpon. Ogerpon’s prestige has increased slightly!]
[Ogerpon has gained insight into using the Ivy Cudgel move!]
Excellent.
Sera nodded in satisfaction and began looking for the next target. While the cycle of picking opponents and fighting could be a bit monotonous, she noticed that the little demon was surprisingly enthusiastic.
[Ogerpon wants to become stronger for your sake!]
So that’s it, is it for me?
She kept reminding herself that this was just data, but a smile still tugged at her lips, and her heart felt a swell of warmth.
She wanted Ogerpon to grow stronger, too. Not just for the sake of Effort Values.
Even though this was just an electronic Pokémon in a simulation, Sera always remembered that, according to her lore, Ogerpon had lived alone in the wild for a very long time.
She was just a little thing who feared loneliness and wasn't particularly good at fighting.
She had been branded as a monster without even knowing it, forced to avoid both people and Pokémon until Sera came along.
If Ogerpon could become strong—become truly steadfast—then she wouldn't just be called a monster; she would possess the true spirit of one. And from then on, even if she had to live alone, she wouldn't be so afraid of being lonely anymore.
Holding onto that hope, Sera tapped the screen to end the day’s training.
[Ogerpon is a little tired.]
[Ogerpon tugs at your hand, walking along the mountain path with you, sharing the day’s stories as she slowly heads toward home.]
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 19
--+--
Chapter 19: The Future the Old Craftsman Envisions
--+--
"Ryugu."
Sera gazed at the computer screen, whispering the name.
After two days, the commission she posted had accumulated a mountain of applications. As Sera had anticipated, Trainers simply couldn't resist the allure of Apricorn Poké Balls.
After filtering for those who possessed at least four Gym Badges, she still had more than ten candidates left on her list.
Sera scanned the remarks and details, promptly discarding eighty percent of them.
Male Trainers were the first to go. This upcoming trip required venturing deep into the Nature Park, and Sera had absolutely no interest in spending time alone in the wilderness with a member of the opposite sex.
After another round of filtering, the only name left standing before her was the one she had just spoken.
Ryugu.
Hailing from Blackthorn City, she was a member of the renowned clan of Dragon Tamers.
Sera found this family deeply intriguing. Unlike average Trainers, those from the Dragon Tamer clan predominantly excelled in using Dragon-type Pokémon.
Even the current Indigo League Champion, Lance, and the Blackthorn City Gym Leader, Clair, hailed from this lineage.
According to Sera’s understanding, Clair’s strength was in no way inferior to the Elite Four; she was at a level where she could trade wins and losses with them.
While the odds of losing might be higher, it still served as a testament to just how formidable the Dragon Tamer clan’s Trainers could be.
Ryugu held three Gym Badges. Based on her gaming experience, Sera inferred that a Trainer at this stage would likely be around level 20 to 25.
Gym Leaders often adjusted their strategies based on a challenger’s number of badges, and while Sera was simply using levels as a habit to estimate strength, other Trainers likely had their own assessment strategies when facing opponents based on badge counts.
Regardless of all that, it was clear that this Ryugu didn't seem particularly powerful.
She’ll do.
Sera finally made up her mind.
Whether a Trainer was truly exceptional or not didn't really matter to her; she was more concerned with how much she could probe and learn from them.
As for whether Ryugu was up to the task... well, the service provider was usually the one fretting over whether they could fulfill a commission.
Sera was the client, so why on earth should she worry about the contractor?
Confirmed!
Now, she just had to wait for Ryugu to send a message specifying which type of Apricorn Ball she wanted. With that decided, Sera stood up and prepared to head out.
--+--
Azalea Town, the home of Kurt.
Inside the workshop, the familiar rhythmic clanging of iron on metal echoed as it always did. Hearing those comforting sounds, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Sera’s lips.
As she pushed open the door and stepped inside, the sound instantly ceased.
The old craftsman set down his hammer, picked up a rag to wipe his hands, and stood up.
"Sera, you're here."
"Yes."
Sera’s visit today was to bid Kurt farewell. Even though they only exchanged brief greetings, both understood what was left unsaid.
Over these three years, the obedient and clever Sera had long since replaced the memory of the son who had failed to live up to his expectations, becoming the apprentice who made him proudest.
Kurt, a man of few words, couldn’t bring himself to say anything overly sentimental. He gestured for Sera to sit while he walked toward the back of the house. A few moments later, he returned, holding a wooden box.
"Take this."
Kurt got straight to the point.
"Take these with you. Once you're out there, don't forget to keep honing your craft."
The wooden box felt surprisingly heavy as it settled into her hands. Curiosity piqued within Sera.
Her master had never been one for romantic gestures; Kurt was exactly like his name—hard, unyielding, and as blunt as metal in his dealings with others.
Kurt’s son, who had taken a job at Silph Co., still drew harsh rebukes from the old man whenever his name was mentioned.
After all, Silph Co. had pioneered the basic technology for modern mass-produced Poké Balls, and as an artisan who dedicated his life to traditional methods, Kurt’s resentment toward the company was understandable.
To think that even such a master would prepare a graduation gift for her?
The girl looked up. Seeing Kurt’s calm expression, she stopped overthinking it and lifted the lid, gazing at the items tucked inside.
This is...
Seven exquisitely crafted, vibrant Apricorn Balls lay before her eyes.
Her years of experience handling handmade Poké Balls immediately told her that these were no ordinary creations. The girl carefully supported the box with one hand, and under Kurt’s watchful gaze, she picked up a Moon Ball with the other.
The black-and-blue ball, adorned with crescent moon patterns, emitted a cool, polished luster. Its surface felt incredibly refined—when Sera touched it, it was as if she were feeling smooth, high-quality metal.
To think an Apricorn could be polished to such an extent...
"These Apricorn Balls are the finest finished products I am capable of making."
The old man clasped his hands behind his back. His tone was flat, but Sera could hear the intense pride hidden beneath it.
"You aren't capable of this level of craftsmanship yet."
Sera nodded silently.
There was no reason to deny it. If there were levels to being a Poké Ball artisan, the current Sera was, at best, just beginning to find her footing. Kurt, however, was already a respected master.
Even when crafting the same type of Apricorn Ball, the only thing Sera could boast about was her speed; she still couldn't reach the level of artistry that Kurt achieved.
The more exquisite the Apricorn Ball, the more astronomical its value became in the eyes of a Trainer, even if the actual catch rate difference was marginal.
If there’s any Apricorn Ball that could sell for hundreds of thousands, it would be the ones sitting in this box right now.
And yet, there were seven of them resting in her hands.
The old craftsman watched the silver-haired girl, a quiet sigh stirring in his heart.
Kurt had never been a stubborn old man who hoarded his secrets; long before Sera had lost her way and stumbled into Azalea Town, he had never been stingy about teaching his craft to others.
However, those who only wanted to learn because they thought they could get rich quick always ended up crushed by reality.
A beginner could sit at the workbench all day, working non-stop, and they would be lucky to turn out a single, mediocre red-and-white Poké Ball worth a few hundred bucks.
The young people of today were all far too impatient. Even his own son had recoiled at the sheer monotony of crafting Poké Balls by hand, opting instead to use his technical knowledge to join Silph Co.
That was why Sera made Kurt so incredibly proud.
No other artisan had ever taught an apprentice who could craft their own Apricorn Ball before the age of twenty—but she had done it. Yet, Kurt was far from satisfied. Sera would reach his level one day, but was that enough?
The future Kurt envisioned was for Sera to become an unparalleled master artisan. That was why he gave her the absolute best he could make. It was a graduation gift, but also a test. Only by seeing what a truly masterful Apricorn Ball looked like could she eventually surpass him and step into a higher realm.
"In this world, there are all sorts of strange and marvelous Poké Balls," Kurt said, suppressing the surge of emotion in his chest. "Beyond that, every region has its own traditional handicrafts."
"If you truly wish to continue your training, then set out and seek them all."
--+--
Digital Pokemon - 20
--+--
Chapter 20: Ogerpon is Very Motivated
--+--
After chatting with Kurt a while longer, Sera picked up the wooden box and stepped out of the workshop.
The young girl pondered the old craftsman's advice. Collecting more Poké Ball recipes, learning other types of craftsmanship...
If the custom Poké Ball making that Sera had mastered were considered a life skill, there would be countless others just like it in the Pokémon world.
From what Sera understood, crafts centering around Pokémon included, but were not limited to, accessory making, grooming, apparel design, and so much more.
It wasn’t just Trainers; ordinary people were just as dedicated as the pros when it came to keeping their Pokémon happy.
That was exactly why there were so many industries dedicated to helping others raise their Pokémon well.
Thinking by analogy, it seemed like crafting held items could be a promising direction.
Sera considered this quite seriously. She had, in truth, been reflecting on how lazy she had become lately.
Because the Electronic Pokémon Raising System had proven effective, Sera had become addicted to the game. She hadn’t forgotten her original dream of becoming a Trainer, but it was a fact that she had neglected the refinement of her craftsmanship.
After seeing the masterpiece Kurt had produced, Sera realized that even in the craft of making Poké Balls, she was still a long way from the pinnacle. She had only just taken her first step; how could she be so arrogant as to stop now?
She wanted to be a Pokémon Trainer, but she also wanted to be a craftsperson who could make someone like Kurt proud.
It was a bit greedy, perhaps, but Sera genuinely admitted to herself that she was that hungry and eager for the things right before her eyes. Even though the system had described these digital Pokémon as nothing more than data from the very beginning, Sera was just as eager to reach out and touch Ogerpon.
Sera had embraced the mindset that since she had miraculously arrived in the Pokémon world, she had to see as much of the scenery as possible.
Trainers and craftsmen—she wanted it all!
Ding—
With her mind made up, Sera, while walking down the road, suddenly heard a notification chime from her phone. She pulled it out and saw a push notification: there was an update on the escort commission.
The Trainer named Ryugu had readily sent over her requirements. As for the Apricorn Ball she wanted...
"A Lure Ball?"
It was a type of ball rarely requested in daily life.
Aside from the consistent aesthetic value of Apricorn Balls, the unique effect of the Lure Ball itself was that it exerted a luring effect on Pokémon caught with a fishing rod, increasing the capture rate.
Because it was predicated on fishing, Trainers who used Lure Balls had to consider the most crucial issue.
They weren't guaranteed to actually hook a Pokémon.
The plight of an angler was roughly the same in any world; there were plenty of fishing enthusiasts, but true masters who could consistently haul in a catch were few and far between.
After all, the Lure Ball was a rare item. If a Trainer couldn't hook the Pokémon she wanted, the Lure Ball's special effect was rendered useless.
If a Pokémon resisted fiercely during the capture process, the Poké Ball could be destroyed. A regular Poké Ball was one thing, but an Apricorn Ball, which cost at least ten thousand at a base price, was a loss most Trainers couldn't stomach.
However, when it came down to it, this didn't have much to do with Sera.
Whether Ryugu wanted to use the Lure Ball to catch a hooked Pokémon or just force a capture on a common one was her business. Sera just needed to provide the Lure Ball once the task was completed.
"I might as well buy some Blue Apricorns on the way home."
Thinking this, the girl took a detour, taking an extra half-hour to get home. By the time she reached her apartment, it was already lunchtime. Sera didn't immediately prepare a meal; instead, she pulled out her simulator.
"Poni!"
[Ogerpon has sensed your presence.]
[Ogerpon is stretching and waving to greet you.]
Lately, the atmosphere between her and Ogerpon had become increasingly domestic.
Sera and this little ogre were like family; every day they would greet each other first, play games, go out to exercise, and then wish each other goodnight before sleeping.
It was precisely because it felt so lifelike that Sera, who wouldn't normally get addicted to games, spent so much time on Ogerpon.
If it were strictly for the sake of Effort Values, Sera could have logged off once Ogerpon's stamina was depleted. Yet, at Ogerpon's request, the girl would still stay to play ball-tossing games that offered no rewards.
"Let me see..." Sera tapped on Ogerpon's attribute panel.
--+--
[Ogerpon]
[Level: 13 (20)]
[Moves: Vine Whip (Mastered), Horn Leech, Ivy Cudgel]
[Affinity: 40]
[Status: Active]
--+--
Because Sera had poured almost all of her time over the last two days into the simulator, Ogerpon's stats had improved significantly.
First off, she had leveled up three times, getting much closer to completing the mission regarding the ghost of Oni Mountain.
Sera used Floral Incense on Ogerpon every day. Through the accumulated consumption of Raising Points, Ogerpon's Vine Whip move had already reached mastery before Horn Leech and Ivy Cudgel.
By frequently using moves like Horn Leech and Ivy Cudgel that generated plant spikes, Ogerpon had now mastered the technique of using her Vine Whip to grow thorns through a charge-up attack.
Perhaps after a bit more training, Ogerpon might even be able to fuse Vine Whip with Horn Leech to achieve a special effect of continuous damage and HP absorption.
Because of Ogerpon's significant progress in battle, Sera believed she would reach level 15 soon.
Level 15—it was already very close to the level Ogerpon should be at.
Although generally speaking, making a Pokémon stronger was the goal of raising them, the process within the Electronic Pokémon Raising System actually had milestones.
Sera had never touched an achievement system before, but Ogerpon's level bar looked different from a normal Pokémon's.
Once Ogerpon reached level 20, the Electronic Pokémon Raising System would likely provide a corresponding achievement reward.
—Maybe it will be a new slot.
From the very beginning, the system had only given Sera one empty slot for raising, which meant she had to give up and wait a one-year cooldown period if she drew a target she couldn't raise.
Since drawing Ogerpon, Sera had gradually gotten on the right track. Following the normal progression, she would eventually get a new slot.
"A second Pokémon to raise, huh..."
Sera prayed for a moment that she wouldn't draw any more strange Pokémon. Anything would do, as long as it was like Ogerpon—cute, but with combat capabilities that grew over time.
Being able to raise them normally was more important than anything else!
To absorb some good luck, the girl reached out and stroked Ogerpon's head repeatedly.
"Pon?"
[Ogerpon looks a bit confused.]
"Keep it up, give it your all, and let's reach level 20 as soon as possible!"
"Pon!!!"
[Ogerpon feels your encouragement and is suddenly brimming with motivation!]
--+--